Rhinoplasty is a form of plastic surgery that reshapes the nose. It usually is performed for the sake of altering appearance either by enlarging or reducing the nose or straightening out bends or bumps. In some people rhinoplasty is needed to correct an injury or to improve breathing difficulties that may be caused form a broken nose. It is not a good idea to have a nose job before the age of 18, by which time the bones of the face have developed to adult proportion and the nose has taken on its adult contours.

The rhinoplasty may be performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the patient’s request and advice from the doctor. After the incisions are made, the surgeon proceeds to separate the bone and cartilage from the soft tissue above it and then breaks and repositions some of the nasal bones so that they will heal into a new shape. In case, as devilated septum, the central cartilage may be cut and reshaped as well. If the goal is to elevate the bridge or increase overall length, the doctor can implant cartilage or bone from elsewhere in the body between the overlying skin and bones.

After the rhinoplasty is done both nostrils may be packed with gauze, which must be kept for 10-14 days. This helps hold the nasal bones in their new position until healing is complete. Another unpleasant after effect is the discolored swelling which usually lasts for the next few weeks. Swelling and numbness usually disappear after 20 days. rhinoplasty may cause serious complications, such as infection, bleeding, or negative reaction to anesthesia. Sometimes the septrum may be perforated during surgery, or the bridge of the nose may collapse.

Most rhinoplasty surgeries bring great results, so any individuals who consider this procedure for purely cosmetic reasons should factor these possible complications in the equation.